The Democrat held a news conference Wednesday in Chicago and responded to Rauner’s comments in Springfield earlier in the day criticizing House Democrats for canceling a legislative session day. Rauner has been traveling statewide since legislators adjourned last month without a budget deal for the second consecutive year.

Cullerton deemed it a “scorched earth tour,” saying it’s distracting to groups of rank-and-file lawmakers who have been meeting to come to an agreement. He accused Rauner of planning the tour before lawmakers adjourned.

But Cullerton says it’s a hopeful sign that Rauner now backs short-term budget legislation for schools and human services that lawmakers have been discussing in smaller groups, including on Wednesday.